UFC Perth MMA Match Preview: Dom Mar Fan (6-1-0) vs. Kody Steele (5-1-0)

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EVENT OVERVIEW

UFC Perth: Della Maddalena vs. Prates

Bout: Dom Mar Fan vs. Kody Steele

Division: Welterweight (170 lbs)

Venue: RAC Arena, Perth, Western Australia

Bout Placement: Early Prelims

Local Start Time: Approx. 6:00 PM AWST

U.S. Broadcast Time: Early Prelims begin 1:00 AM PT / 4:00 AM ET

Indoor venue — no weather impact.

INJURY REPORT

No reported injuries

No camp disruptions

No weight‑cut issues publicly noted for either fighter

Both fighters are fully cleared.

FIGHTER PROFILES & RECENT FORM

Dom Mar Fan

Record: 6–1 Age: 27 Country: Australia Style: Dynamic striker with strong movement and counter‑timing Reach: 72″ Stance: Switch

Recent Form

Win — KO (2025)

Win — Decision (2024)

Win — KO (2024)

Loss — Submission (2023)

Win — KO (2023)

Mar Fan is one of the more intriguing Australian prospects on the card:

Fast, fluid striking

Excellent footwork

Strong defensive reactions

High‑level feints and counterpunching

He is still developing his grappling but has shown improved takedown defense and better cage awareness.

Strengths

Speed advantage

Clean, technical striking

Strong counter game

Home‑crowd advantage

Weaknesses

Limited grappling depth

Can be too reactive early

Has not faced many pressure wrestlers

Kody Steele

Record: 5–1 Age: 30 Country: USA Style: Elite grappler (BJJ black belt), explosive wrestler, heavy top control Reach: 71″ Stance: Orthodox

Recent Form

Win — Submission (2025)

Win — KO (2024)

Loss — Decision (2024)

Win — Submission (2023)

Win — KO (2023)

Steele is a high‑level grappler with a strong background in submission grappling and wrestling. He is known for:

Relentless takedown attempts

Heavy top pressure

Strong positional control

Dangerous front‑headlock series

His striking is improving, but grappling is his bread and butter.

Strengths

Best grappler in the matchup

Strong wrestling entries

Excellent submission chains

Good cardio

Weaknesses

Striking still developing

Can be hittable on entries

Sometimes forces grappling exchanges too early

MATCHUP BREAKDOWN

Striking

Mar Fan: Faster, more technical, better variety

Steele: Improving but still basic

Edge: Mar Fan

Grappling

Mar Fan: Solid defensive wrestling

Steele: Superior offensive grappling and control

Edge: Steele

Cardio

Mar Fan: Strong early, slows slightly in R3

Steele: Built for grinding fights

Edge: Steele

Fight IQ

Mar Fan: Still developing

Steele: More seasoned in grappling transitions

Edge: Steele

BETTING TRENDS

1. Striker vs. Grappler Dynamic

Public money tends to favor the striker (Mar Fan), while sharp bettors often look for value on the grappler (Steele).

2. Australian Fighters in Australia

Historically outperform expectations due to:

Crowd energy

Reduced travel fatigue

Familiar environment

3. Steele’s Submission Threat

Books will price Steele by submission as a live underdog angle.

4. Mar Fan’s KO Upside

Books will shade Mar Fan ITD due to his explosive striking.

FIGHT ODDS

Dom Mar Fan                     + 140

Kody Steele                       – 160

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 1, 2026

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Fight Editor
Profile: A seasoned combat‑sports analyst with a deep understanding of the tactical, technical, and promotional forces that shape modern MMA and boxing. This columnist delivers comprehensive coverage that blends fight‑film study, statistical insight, and industry context to break down matchups, rising contenders, and the evolving landscape of global combat sports. Background: With extensive experience covering major promotions, championship bouts, and regional circuits, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms focused on fighter development, coaching philosophies, and matchmaking strategy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term career trajectories across weight classes and organizations. Signature Coverage Areas: Fight previews and stylistic matchups Technical breakdowns of striking, grappling, and defensive systems Prospect scouting, rankings analysis, and divisional movement Promotional strategy, business trends, and event‑building dynamics Historical context, legacy discussions, and championship narratives Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex techniques, tactical adjustments, and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time fight fans and new followers of combat sports. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the discipline, strategy, and global reach of MMA and boxing.